How to Wrap a Gift with Artistic Flair

In this article, I’ll show you how to wrap a gift that stands out from the rest! As you’ll see, some unique wrapping paper, sealing wax, and ribbon can go a long way in making a gorgeous gift presentation.

When I want to learn something, I’m always thrilled when I can find a video over how to do it. It’s easier to catch on to a concept when you can observe a demonstration! With that in mind, I filmed a tutorial to show you how to wrap a gift with artistic flair this holiday season. You can watch that video below (or on YouTube):

Wrapping Paper

As I mentioned in the video, unique wrapping paper makes for a unique gift! If you’re wrapping a small gift, try using the artistic pattern printouts in The Letter Writer’s Complete Resource as wrapping paper. Alternatively, you can use whatever you have laying around the house! I’ve wrapped gifts in everything from restaurant menus to newspaper.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy adds an elegant, artistic touch to any gift! In the video, I used Janet Style calligraphy to write the recipient’s name. I love that calligraphy style for gifts because it’s pretty and traditional! If you’re not comfortable with a dip pen, though, don’t worry that your gifts won’t look nice. You can always use the faux calligraphy technique or hand-lettering!

This gift has a bohemian feel because of the handmade paper that I used to wrap it. I echoed that feel with whimsical Kaitlin Style calligraphy!

Wax Seal

I love using a wax seal to put the final touch on gifts! You can find a large selection of reasonably priced wax stamps and sealing wax at Nostalgic Impressions. Nostalgic Impressions also carries the glue gun that I used in the video! If you’re looking for artistic (but fairly pricey) wax stamps, try Artisaire.

A Few Helpful Tips to Successfully Wrap a Gift

Some gifts can be tricky to wrap, so take it slow and be patient with yourself if things don’t go as planned! In that case, just take a deep breath, carefully unwrap the gift, and start again. Remember, too, that you don’t have to wrap a complicated gift every time. Eye-catching wrapping paper can go a long way, and an unconventional addition — like a small sprig of winter greenery — can make your gift presentation pop!

No sealing wax? No problem! Try adding some winter greenery instead.

My best tip for wrapping gifts is to pull everything tight! The wrapping paper should be taut across the gift, with crisp, confident edges. Ribbon/twine should also hug the gift tightly. The tighter you can get everything, the more professional the gift presentation will look!

I hope that this little video tutorial + written explanation helps you to make a few beautiful gift presentations this holiday season! If you have any questions or suggestions, I invite you to contribute to the comments. It’s always fantastic to hear from you! Otherwise, continue to enjoy your holiday season, and we’ll reconvene on Monday with a newsletter you won’t want to miss. (If you’re not signed up for the TPK newsletter, you can do so by clicking here!)

Welcome to The Postman’s Knock

I'm Lindsey Bugbee

designer + illustrator + calligrapher

The Postman's Knock is a blog focused on teaching creative techniques and offering guides to learning modern calligraphy and illustration. I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it!

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Wax seals are such a nice touch. I have one for weddings to make cards extra special. I am thinking of getting one for birthday or everyday use. Thanks for the other tips. I would love to incorporate more calligraphy once I improve.

I love this so much! I love personalizing the presents I give instead of just putting them in a regular gift bag. I’ve been decorating plain bags and packages myself and using handwritten calligraphy notes and now i think I’ll be adding a wax seal!

I love wrapping gifts in different ways to make them look really pretty. I also love using the sealing wax and stamps. This is a great idea to put the 2 together. I can’t wait to order some stamps and wax and wrap my sons Birthday gifts this way. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.

Thank you.. my gift wrapping never pleases me, I’ll give my next wrapping project a go with a few of your suggestions! Also, I love this new layout! It was easy to find exactly what I was searching for! Great job to you both!!

I am grateful for the ideas and explanations for wrapping gifts. You inspired me to do more and the examples helped me create my own packages. I also learned different ways to use the items I have on hand.
You are an amazing teacher and artist who encourages others to reach for more.

I love your ideas here, so creative and beautiful. I am currently learning Copperplate hand. Have taken Italic hand classes with Anne Binder and ‘Gentle Gothics’ with Alice Young. There are so many ways to be creative with calligraphy and I am looking forward to actually being able to write in a calligraphic hand.
I am so grateful for your inspiration and tools. Thank you so much!!!

I love these ideas! My mother always wrapped the most beautiful gifts – these remind me so much of her! Lovely! I especially love the addition of the wax seal. I can tell that will soon be one of my next purchases!

I didn’t have time to use this tutorial/idea this year, but it is at the top of my holiday wrapping priorities for next year. Special birthdays as well. I love trying new things, so thank you for this brilliant depiction!

I absolutely love these ideas! My favorite way to wrap presents is by starting with kraft paper and then writing in calligraphy on them. I typically top a gift with real or fake florals for an added touch 🙂

Such beautiful ideas! I love the fact that they are so lovely AND don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Besides I think any recipient would be delighted by the wrapping – almost not wanting to open it because it is so pretty.